Three Dears At Night

Photographed last night, in the meadow.

Don't Mess with the Deer When They Are Feeling Protective

MATT SAYS:

This is my first fawn sighting of the season.  The picture was captured, such as it is, with my iPhone.  You can see the tiny fawn, standing behind its mother, on the left, and a large deer, which I surmise is a stag, on the right.  As I snapped the picture the stag started walking right at me, slowly, but keeping his gaze on me the entire time.  I pocketed my iPhone and backed off -- I was at least 50 yards away when I was taking the picture -- and he lost interest.  I have never had a deer behave that directly and aggressively with me before.  I can only guess the stag interpreted me as a threat to the fawn and decided to confront me.

Full of Life

Photographed Wednesday afternoon, in the meadow.

Last Year's Model

A fawn photographed late last spring (2011).  On our walkway.  Its mom was nearby.

I think I've confirmed part of the reason these deer don't fear humans.  Last night, I saw a woman beckoning to the deer, with a shallow platter of fresh veg offerings.  Attractively arranged.